"Tomorrow will come on its own time. Today is really what we have and we prepare for the future by honoring the present." ~Leonie Dawson
We'd all love to have huge blocks of time in which we could devote ourselves fully to the moment. A few hours to gaze into the sea. A weekend to do whatever we love most. A full on sabbatical to the mountains to dream and explore.
But life beckons. Jobs and children and dishes and meetings. There's never a dull moment, much less a quiet one.
But just because we live in this crazy busy world doesn't mean we can't slow down and savor the moments in between and within. All it takes is a little mindfulness and the realization that all we have is this day, this moment. Nothing else is promised. So savor each smell, each taste, each emotion. All the little and big things.
Even in the midst of chaos you have a choice. You can choose to let what's going on around you get into your head and wreak havoc or you can bring your awareness back to yourself, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. When you exhale, let go of the things that are bringing you down or making you feel like a crazy pants.
When things seem overwhelming, it's easy to get caught up in the rumble and tumble and let everything pile on top of you. Remember, you only have today. Take it one step at a time. Even if that's a baby step.
From the movie What About Bob?
Stop and smell the flowers. Seriously. When you pass by a vase of petunias or a vine of night-blooming primroses, take one brief moment to engage your sense of smell. The flowers might not even have a scent, but that's not the point. The goal is to bring awareness to your everyday life. You might pass by a rose bush all the daily and not ever stop to appreciate its beauty. That's what slowing down and savoring life is about. Taking those small moments to look, listen, and enjoy what's around you.
Bring joy to whatever you're doing. Okay, I know washing dishes and preparing taxes are far from fun, but even daily tasks can be savored when you have a different perspective.
Instead of going to the sink and mindlessly scrubbing the plates, notice how the soap feels bubbling on your fingers and how the water sounds as it fills the sink. If you have a window in front of you, look out and notice the trees, the birds, the paint splatters on the concrete wall.
When you sit down to eat, whether it's at your desk, in the car, or at the kitchen table, chew slowly. I used to practically inhale my food and then realize I didn't taste a thing.
Slow down. Taste the food, roll it over your tongue. Notice the textures. You'll enjoy your meal much more.
Bring joy to whatever you're doing. Okay, I know washing dishes and preparing taxes are far from fun, but even daily tasks can be savored when you have a different perspective.
Instead of going to the sink and mindlessly scrubbing the plates, notice how the soap feels bubbling on your fingers and how the water sounds as it fills the sink. If you have a window in front of you, look out and notice the trees, the birds, the paint splatters on the concrete wall.
When you sit down to eat, whether it's at your desk, in the car, or at the kitchen table, chew slowly. I used to practically inhale my food and then realize I didn't taste a thing.
Slow down. Taste the food, roll it over your tongue. Notice the textures. You'll enjoy your meal much more.
Spend time with friends. Even if you can only spare one hour, take that hour to spend some quality time with a close friend. Go out for coffee or invite her over for tea and biscuits. Talk about whatever. Talking with a friend over coffee is some of the best therapy for me. Even if we just talk nonsense and share some laughs. It's like a breath of fresh air.
Make a gratitude list. After you read this blog post, take out a piece of paper or open up a word document and write/type out five things you love about this day so far. If you're having the crappiest day ever, I promise you can still find something to love. Cuddling with your dog, the morning cup of coffee, the tangerine sunset.
Make plans to do one thing you've been aching to do. Whether that's writing a chapter of your novel, going for a walk in the park, or taking sailing lessons, write it on the calendar. Make a promise to yourself that you'll take some precious time to practice soul care by doing something you enjoy.
Life happens in the blink of an eye, and for all we know, this is all we get. It's only practical to slow down and enjoy the days given to us. Juice them. Fill your cup. Drink life in and all its crazy, beautiful abundance. And once you've sipped, savor it. Let it settle and fill your belly and your heart.
How do you slow down and savor life? And if it's been awhile since you've done so, what's one thing you can do today to cherish the moment?
